McDonald's Asia Brings Down April Comparable Store Sales

By fizzedi on Flickr

McDonald's is out with its April sales figures, and the numbers are worse than expected.

Global comparable store sales fell 0.6%, which was worse than the 0.48% decline expected.

"As we begin the second quarter against the backdrop of a persistently challenging macro environment, the McDonald's System is aligned around executing our long-term strategies to drive sustained, profitable growth," said CEO Don Thompson.

Here's the regional breakdown:

• U.S. up 0.7% (Est. down 0.05%)
• Europe down 2.4% (Est. down 1.01%)
• Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) down 2.9% (Est. down 1.44%)

"In April, APMEA's comparable sales declined 2.9%, reflecting the impact of Avian influenza, primarily in China, and softer results in Japan and Australia," wrote the company.